This is usually attributed to an itching sensation which has multiple causes. Any type of trauma to the area can be a cause for licking. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If your dog is licking her private area excessively, you may be wondering what is going on and what you can do to make her feel better. Trauma to the Area. It is because it helps soothe the area somehow. After about 30 seconds he was done and his penis went back in. Before deciding that your dog's licking is behavior-based, take her to the vet for an evaluation to make sure there isn't another cause. Environmental or food allergies can both cause itching in the genital area. have owned four Golden Retrievers in the past 15 years. When visible, the penis itself is usually pink or red, but can become a darker purple during an erection. An infection, injury, or other conditions affecting your dogs urinary or reproductive tract may be indicated by excessive licking, particularly when its accompanied by symptoms like increased drainage, pain, or lethargy. If you have an ointment for dogs with sensitive skin you can apply a bit on the affected area. Unless you also notice issues with your dogs penis or changes in his general health, it is best to ignore this behavior. If your dog is spayed (not intact), there are several other possibilities listed below. A dog will lick his penis to help keep it clean, and probably also just because it feels good. An antibiotic ointment will help prevent an infection. Here are some of the more common problems: Urinary Tract Infection or Bladder Stones/Crystals. If youve identified the reason for your dog licking his private parts, it should be easier to stop him from doing so. Dog Vaginal Health Guide: Everything You Need to Know, CBD for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know, Chemotherapy for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know, Ultrasounds for Dogs and Cats: Everything You Need to Know, NSAIDs for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know. Parasites. However, other types of discharge or a discharge that comes directly from the penis itself is often associated with a health problem. If it's difficult to tell, you can get a white paper towel and gently blot the area and inspect whether these is discharge and if so, its color. When you see a dog licking another dog's private parts, it is actually a healthy and normal dog social behavior - just a kind of polite getting-acquainted through grooming and scent of one another. Erections can occur even if a dog is neutered, and full erection may result in the entire engorged penis and bulbus glandis extending outside of the prepuce. Another sign of irritation in the private area is rubbing along the ground to get rid of the pressure related to the blocked anal gland. Set up your myVCA account today. For example, due to discomfort, he might stop playing with other dogs and be unwilling to sit down for long periods. Problems affecting the penis are uncomfortable and may be a sign of a potentially serious health condition. For example, a male or female dog may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area. With females you might notice some swelling of the vulva or redness. In the dog world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. However, drainage from the prepuce and excessive licking are also the most common symptoms of infections of the penis and/or sheath, so determining what is normal and what is potentially problematic can be difficult. Remember that loose stool can also prevent the anal glands from expressing as they should, and that too can lead to irritation. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. You should take your dog to the vet for an examination if you notice this. They might also ask you to bring the dog in to have a look at him. The presence of crystals in the urine can be particularly annoying to the dog as they may feel like shards of glass being passed through the urinary tract. As with anything else you do with your dogs diet, talk to your vet before changing his diet or adding supplements. This condition can be indicated by blood or pus when your dog does his business. In the dog world, a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior. Baby powder will do in a pinch. vets, and groomers. After your dog comes home from the grooming station, especially after a huge change, he may begin to feel weird. Whatever the reason, your dog is left with a skin irritation that will make him miserable for a few hours or even days. Even if he and his sister weren't that close, they were company for each other and he might . This discharge could signify any number of issues, such as a tumor, a traumatic injury, an infection, or even a blood-clotting disorder. An Elizabethan collar may be necessary. The canine penis is rigid even when not erect due to the presence of a bone called the os penis.. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. When this is the case, licking is only related to elimination and is not persistent. Or go to a different groomer next time. On the other hand, if you notice bumps and signs of inflammation, you should go to the vet for an expert opinion. Dogs will lick their private parts to try to treat this problem. Some of the symptoms of the emotional trauma you might notice includeif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'qualitydogresources_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-leader-3-0'); Your dog will remember the whole traumatic incident and work himself in a full-blown panic attack next time youre heading for the groomer. Anal Gland Impaction. Stress, boredom . Sometimes there will be discomfort/itching, especially since he's not used to it. Try to understand what caused the problem and talk to the groomer about it. The dog is self-cleaning. Once on the ground, he started licking his private area and I looked closer and could actually see his penis and that he was licking it. Like adult canines, cute puppies too are sometimes susceptible to the woes of urinary tract infections (UTIs). How Should I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog? A long-term drug called cefovecin (brand name Covenia) may be useful but is not a preferred first line treatment. The whole experience can be very traumatic to the dog from the stress of being left in some strangers care to being roughly handled by the groomer. He has no trouble. These things happen and it might not be the groomers fault. While at the moment your immediate concern is getting help for your dog, do take notice of the groomers behaviour. If your dog does have a UTI, your vet will prescribe oral or injectable antibiotics to help clear up the infection. It can be the ears, their paws, or even their genital area. For some dogs the act of excessive licking can be seen to develop as a response to stress, anxiety or boredom. In the meanwhile, if you are concerned your dog will turn her private area raw from all the licking, you can place a T shirt on your dog by sliding her back legs through the sleeves and then tying a knot along her back so to keep it in place, suggests veterinarian Dr. Peter. A. Any type of trauma to the area can be a cause for licking. When they start this as a habit licking, they will lick the same place on the puppy. Once this gland becomes blocked, the irritation and discomfort your dog feels could make them lick this part excessively. In my salon, if such a situation occurs, we . 2. This is called smegma and is normal. It could also be an early sign of infection such as UTI or bladder inflammation or the result of allergies that induce rashes or itchiness. Try a soothing bath and some ointment and dont forget to mention the issue to your groomer next time you see them.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'qualitydogresources_com-leader-4','ezslot_14',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-leader-4-0'); You might also want to call the groomer and ask if any sort of rear harness, a contraption that looks like this, was used during the session. While pet owners may enjoy watching a dog dance in a circle or sing (bark) on command, they may not be amused at some of their activities. when using electric clippers, scissors to trim hair, or other mechanical Dogs lick their private parts for various reasons, so its crucial to discover why its happening to your dog. Dont be alarmed if the dog licks some of the oatmeal in his bathwater as it is not toxic to dogs. It is a very sensitive area so it doesnt take much for the skin to become irritated. The skin-covered prepuce that surrounds a dogs penis can develop rashes, just like any other area of the body. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Add to that the noise of the shaver or the indignity of having the anal glands expressed and you will understand why your dog is out of sorts. Home - Grooming - Why Is My Dog So Uncomfortable After Grooming? These infections require treatment with antibiotics (common choices include amoxicillin, cephalexin, or fluoroquinolones) and oral, topical, or injectable forms may be used. Treatment typically consists of the drug Proin (phenylropanolamine) or alternative female hormones. Sometimes, if your dog is licking her private area constantly, the culprit may be the presence of urinary crystals or stones. There are a lot of natural treatments to help stop dogs from licking their private parts too often. Put several tea bags in the bath water or you can prepare a strong chamomile tea and pour it in the bathing water.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'qualitydogresources_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Make sure to tell your groomer to be more careful with that area next time you take your dog for a trim, or better yet, tell them to leave it alone altogether. The use of clippers, scissors, or other mechanical hair-cutting implements. Watch your dog carefully in this case because the stress can lead to the dog licking excessively and making his skin irritated and chafed. Many dogs lick their privates, but if your female dog seems to be taking things a bit too far, there are a few potential causes for her behavior. You can also try the following tips from the list below for the best results. Is something wrong? If your dog is intact, meaning that she is not spayed and capable of having puppies, you may have to consider whether she may be coming into heat. Make sure to tape over the edge that goes next to the neck with duct tape or something similar. 255 Satisfied Customers. If your dog was recently Some dogs have no problem whatsoever with grooming, but for the more sensitive ones the whole experience amounts to torture. Featured Image: iStock.com/Vincent Scherer. Habitual Licking. The dog will also appear to be uncomfortable when walking or sitting down. Answer (1 of 16): Most likely the groomer also checked your dogs anal glands, and emptied them. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community.